Merry Christmas!

From the start of my memory Santa used special wrapping paper and had mysterious handwriting. Even though I now know where the special paper comes from and whose opposite-hand-handwriting is on the label, I insist that these things never change.

Christmas is here and I'm so excited. I'm excited about the presents I've opened and will open. I'm exciting to give Lee his presents. I will see many friends and family that I have not seen in far too long and ones that I'm lucky to see often. I will eat, eat, eat to the point of being uncomfortable and wonder why I can't stop putting chocolate in my mouth.



But my favorite part of Christmas, is on Christmas Eve at Christmas Eve mass. The exact moment varies but most often (and my preference) it is after Communion when someone sings Oh Holy Night, which is the most beautiful Christmas song ever and my absolute favorite. And I sit there, feeling all the Christmas hope, magic and wonder inside me. The love of family, the promise of salvation, this tiny gift from God, and I generally cry. Happy tears, of course. Even if the soloist is sub-par, the words of the song inspire me every time.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of Our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world In sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd And the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks A new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.

So led by light of A star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men From Orient land.

The King of Kings Lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials Born to be our friend.

He knows our need, To our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us To love one another;

His law is love And His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break For the slave is our brother;

And in His name All oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy In grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us Praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory Evermore proclaim.

His power and glory Evermore proclaim.

Merry Christmas everyone! :)